WAITOMO CAVES

WAITOMO CAVES

Waitomo caves system is one of the top attractions in the North Island.
These caves are approximately over 30 million years old and are located two and a half hours southwest from Auckland. The most important ones are the Glowworm Caves.

Underground rivers have been modelling limestone rock over many eras creating extraordinary passages and grottos. But the highlight is provided by the unique (NZ native) glowworm hanging from the ceiling of the caves. This worm is the larva of the insect Arachnocampa luminosa, which radiates their unmistakable luminescent light.

In many of these caves you will find impressive stalactites (ceiling) and stalagmites (ground), pointed cones made by water dropping inside the cave during centuries.